At the recently-concluded Google I/O event in California, the Silicon Valley-based search giant just unveiled their newest first-party device – the inexpensive, quad-core Nexus 7 tablet. The device is probably one of the most affordable tablets today while at the same time managing some flagship-level specs. To top it off, it will come with the recently announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS – bringing in several software improvements including something called “Project Butter”, a redesigned core interface to prioritize touch smoothness. The tablet itself is future-proofed and capable of anything as it sports a Quad-Core processor, HD display, and an industry-leading $199 price tag. (For the 8GB version) Unfortunately, Google hasn’t announced any plans of bringing the device here in the Philippines, but we may still have some hope left as Asus, its OEM (original equipment manufacturer), may just consider the idea.

The Nexus 7 tablet is the newest device in the first-party Google Android lineup – which include the Nexus One, Nexus S, and the Galaxy Nexus. This is the first time that a Nexus-branded tablet will be launched by the software giant and it is definitely deserving of its pedigree. The device itself is a high-end 7” slate with competitive specs – including an HD 1280×800 resolution screen, Quad-Core 1.3Ghz Tegra 3 Processor, 1.2MP front facing camera, 720p video recording, NFC-capabilities, and all the usual Android connectivity options. (To save cost: no rear camera, no MicroSD slot) Basing on those specs alone, you might think that the device isn’t all that impressive. But if you factor in the price tag of $199 (PHP 8k+ optimistic), you’ll be hard pressed to find a tablet that has all that hardware in the same price point. If you can somehow snag one for under PHP 10k here in the Philippines, then you’ve already got yourself quite a massive deal: a sub-10k tablet running 1.3Ghz Quad-Core and the first device in the world to ship with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

If you notice on the picture above, there’s an Asus logo on the lower back of the Nexus 7. That’s because the device is actually being manufactured by the Taiwanese hardware company. Which may lead us to the next juicy tidbit we’ll be sharing with you: there could be a glimmer of hope that Asus brings in the Nexus 7 here in the Philippines under their distribution; or they might just take the same design and price point and sell it as an Asus product themselves. (The same way HTC sold the Nexus One as the HTC Desire back in 2010.) Shining shimmering splendid glimmer of hopes aside, we’re hoping that we can have an opportunity to check the device out in the near future.

The Asus Nexus 7 Tablet is on order now in the USA (and other territories) for $199 (8GB) and $249 (16GB). You can’t order one in the Philippines just yet, but maybe some crafty importers may get a hold of one for us. *Cough* Widget City *Cough* (Unless Asus or Google brings it in officially, that is.)